Connector Derating

A connector's headline rating assumes one contact carrying current. Energize them all and the contacts heat each other, so the per-contact current must be derated — roughly to half the single-contact rating at full load.

Derating factor
Allowable per contact
Total connector current

First-cut approximation. Manufacturers publish a derating curve for each connector series — that curve governs.

A helper, not a substitute for engineering judgment. Verify against the governing standard.